Expectations of the Turnaround Planner

Unfortunately the reality is... operating units must shutdown periodically to perform inspections, clean, perform repairs, upgrade assets and/or systems, install tie-ins etc... Most often a Turnaround involves many or all of these activities. As all of us in the Turnaround business know, many times these events present more challenges because experienced personnel may be limited. This leads me to a rather interesting comment posted on the "Shutdowns & Turnaround Management Professionals" group site; which reads:

Why are TA Planners hard to find?

A few people from the group commented, the consensus seems to include:

1. Turnaround planning is a difficult and stressful job
2. Not many people understand what turnaround planning is hence is not valued
3. Extensive multi disciplined experience is required
4. The Planner & Scheduler roles are not the same
5. The scheduler is one of the most influential people on the TA

I suggest a bigger question of, what capabilities do we want from the Planner and what are the clearly defined deliverables the role must be accountable to complete. With this said planning must be based on actual known scope identified and approved through a CMMS system. Once the scope of work has been clearly defined, the next step is determining the resources and a schedule developed needed to complete the overall execution plan. This is followed by allocating the parts, materials, labor, and inspection and repair equipment required to complete the turnaround. It is imperative the Planner be responsible for management of and completion of the plans and work packages required for each deliverable. It is also relevant to develop a manageable "span of control" for the Planner.

Through all this preamble a good planner should possess the following skillset at a minimum:

1. Extensive Turnaround execution and discipline experience
2. Qualified Trade/ discipline education
3. Proficient skill in managing scope within the given timeline
4. Proficient skill managing CMMS and approved office systems
5. Excellent written and communication skills
6. Able to provide measurable results

Finally...if we constrain ourselves by not supporting and recognizing the value of this role we ultimately undermine of true mandate of supporting the business need.